School on verge of collapse

BEKASI: The building of state elementary school No. 22 in Jatiwaringin subdistrict of Bekasi in West Java is said to be on the verge of collapse, according to one legislator, and thus endangers the lives of the 500 students.

"If it is not repaired soon we fear that it'll collapse and kill students as has happened in other school buildings in the city," said Ristadewi, a member of Bekasi legislative body's Commission D here on Tuesday.

"I don't understand why it hasn't been repaired. Who will be responsible if the collapse kills some students?" she wondered.

The students' parents have also complained to the Bekasi administration about the dangerous condition of the school building, but so far they have not received a response.

"I'm worried everyday as the school building could collapse at any time and kill my son," Nani, one of the parents, said.

The elementary school principal, Ambarita, said that the administration had actually allocated some Rp 250 million for the school's renovation this year but suddenly, without explanation, the funds were allocated to repair elementary school No. 5 in Jatirahayu subdistrict.

Ristadewi said that she would check out who made the reallocation decision and why it was done. --JP